̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê

Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê Statement

Following recent stories regarding the links between breast implants and a rare form of cancer – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma – ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê would like to issue a short statement regarding the reported link.

Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that is associated with the insertion of textured breast implants. Most cases of BIA-ALCL have presented with a sudden swelling of one breast several years after implantation.

Although the incidence of BIA-ALCL appears to be very low, any patients with breast implants who are concerned around their health should contact their surgeon or clinic, particularly if they suddenly develop a swelling (a seroma) or a lump in the breast after having a breast implant (regardless of how many years later).

Patients considering breast implant surgery should consult with the healthcare practitioner on the risks associated with breast implant surgery, including the risk of BIA-ALCL, ahead of surgery.

̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê remains in close communication with the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and any changes in its advice will be passed on to our members.

 A  has been developed in the UK to actively monitor all implants, track and trace their use and provide data for further research. ̨ÍåÁùºÏ²Ê strongly recommends that all members utilise this resource - please ask your surgeon for further information about this registry. For those interested in further information, we would recommend an article, , included in the  issue of  (Rakhorst et al., Pages 1354-1360).

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